Environmental Sustainability in Development Studies: Learn and Test Your Knowledge

Question 1

Identify the policy in the United Kingdom that specifically targets the promotion of sustainable practices:

Accepted Answer

Climate Change Act of 2008

Answer

Environmental Protection Act of 1990

Answer

National Planning Policy Framework

Answer

Water Resources Act of 1991

Question 2

Which principle underpins environmental sustainability?

Accepted Answer

Meeting current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.

Answer

Prioritizing economic growth over environmental protection.

Answer

Using natural resources without considering their long-term availability.

Answer

Ignoring the social impacts of environmental policies.

Question 3

Which international agreement is aimed at mitigating climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions?

Accepted Answer

Kyoto Protocol

Answer

Montreal Protocol

Answer

Vienna Convention

Answer

Ramsar Convention

Question 4

The precautionary principle advocates for:

Accepted Answer

Taking proactive measures to address potential environmental risks even in the absence of complete scientific evidence

Answer

Delaying environmental actions until scientific certainty is established

Answer

Prioritizing economic development over environmental protection when there is uncertainty

Answer

Ignoring environmental risks unless they are proven beyond any doubt

Question 5

Which energy source is considered renewable?

Accepted Answer

Hydropower

Answer

Coal

Answer

Natural gas

Answer

Nuclear power

Question 6

The term 'carbon footprint' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The total greenhouse gas emissions produced by an individual, organization, or product over its lifetime

Answer

The impact of deforestation on carbon storage

Answer

The area of land required to offset carbon emissions

Answer

The emissions associated with the generation of electricity

Question 7

The concept of 'carrying capacity' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely

Answer

The rate at which a population is growing

Answer

The impact of overpopulation on environmental degradation

Answer

The availability of resources for a population

Question 8

A circular economy prioritizes:

Accepted Answer

Reducing resource consumption, reusing materials, and recycling waste

Answer

Linear production and disposal

Answer

Exporting waste to developing countries

Answer

Burning waste for energy

Question 9

How do sustainable natural resource management practices contribute to environmental sustainability?

Accepted Answer

Preserving resources for future generations

Accepted Answer

Reducing environmental damage

Answer

Increasing resource consumption

Answer

Weakening environmental regulations

Question 10

What is a key principle of sustainable urban development?

Accepted Answer

Integrating sustainability into city planning

Answer

Prioritizing economic growth over environmental concerns

Answer

Allowing uncontrolled urban expansion without considering environmental impacts

Answer

Focusing solely on reducing carbon emissions

Question 11

Which of the following principles is NOT fundamental to sustainable development?

Accepted Answer

Fueling economic growth regardless of consequences

Answer

Preserving natural resources for future generations

Answer

Ensuring environmental protection

Answer

Promoting social equity

Question 12

The 'tragedy of the commons' refers to the overexploitation of a shared resource due to:

Accepted Answer

Lack of ownership and regulation

Answer

Increased demand and population growth

Answer

Climate change and natural disasters

Answer

Technological advancements and economic development

Question 13

Which of the following is considered a 'greenhouse gas'?

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide

Answer

Nitrogen

Answer

Oxygen

Answer

Hydrogen

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of pursuing environmental sustainability?

Accepted Answer

Increased national security risks

Answer

Improved public health and well-being

Answer

Conservation of natural resources for future generations

Answer

Creation of new job opportunities

Question 15

How can we achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability?

Accepted Answer

Identify and leverage synergies between economic growth and environmental sustainability

Answer

Prioritize economic growth regardless of environmental consequences

Answer

Focus solely on environmental sustainability, disregarding economic implications

Question 16

Which of the following accurately defines the concept of sustainable development as outlined by the Brundtland Report?

Accepted Answer

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

Answer

Restricting human activities to preserve the environment in its pristine state

Answer

Prioritizing economic growth over environmental protection

Question 17

How does climate change affect developing countries disproportionately?

Accepted Answer

Increased vulnerability to natural disasters, reduced agricultural productivity, and displacement of populations due to rising sea levels and changing weather patterns

Answer

Improved air quality, increased availability of freshwater resources, and expansion of agricultural land

Question 18

Which international agreement, adopted in 2015, aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius?

Accepted Answer

Paris Agreement

Answer

Montreal Protocol

Answer

Copenhagen Accord

Answer

Kyoto Protocol

Question 19

What is a critical challenge in reconciling environmental protection with economic development?

Accepted Answer

Finding ways to create jobs and drive economic growth while minimizing environmental degradation

Answer

There is no inherent conflict between these two goals

Answer

Economic development should always have precedence over environmental protection

Question 20

Which of the following is a key characteristic of renewable energy sources?

Accepted Answer

They are derived from naturally replenished resources, such as solar and wind power

Answer

They are finite and can be depleted over time, like fossil fuels

Answer

They rely on non-renewable resources, such as nuclear power

Question 21

Explain the concept of 'planetary boundaries.'

Accepted Answer

A framework that identifies the environmental limits beyond which human activities could cause irreversible damage to the planet's critical Earth systems

Answer

A set of rules and regulations that restrict human activities in certain areas

Question 22

What are the key benefits of investing in sustainable infrastructure?

Accepted Answer

Reduced environmental impact, improved resilience to climate change, and job creation

Answer

Increased pollution, higher construction costs, and social displacement

Answer

It has no benefits, only costs

Question 23

What is the primary role of education in promoting environmental sustainability?

Accepted Answer

To raise awareness, build knowledge, and equip individuals with the skills and values needed to make informed decisions and act responsibly towards the environment

Answer

To preach about environmental issues but not provide practical solutions

Question 24

Which of the following is a central principle of sustainable agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Balancing food production with the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity

Answer

Using chemical fertilizers and pesticides without regard to environmental impacts

Answer

Clear-cutting forests for agricultural land

Question 25

What is the overarching goal of environmental sustainability?

Accepted Answer

To ensure a healthy and prosperous future for both humans and the planet through responsible management of natural resources

Answer

To completely eliminate human impact on the environment

Answer

To prioritize economic growth over environmental protection